Von Willebrand Factor, and Soluble Intercellular and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecules as Indices of Endothelial Activation in Patients with Congenital Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Considering the high prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in Isfahan, the possible involvement of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of CH and the lack of studies in this field, the aim of this study was to determine the endothelial function in CH patients. Methods: During this case-control study, the endothelial function in CH neonates and in those with normal screening results was evaluated during a CH screening program in Isfahan. Peripheral blood samples were obtained for measurement of the von Willebrand factor (vWf), and intercellular and vascular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM and VCAM). In CH patients these biomarkers were measured twice: before and 4 weeks after treatment. Results: In this study, 56 neonates were evaluated: 30 of them were neonates with normal screening results and 26 were diagnosed with CH and classified into two groups according to their TSH levels. The mean ICAM and VCAM were higher in CH patients than in the control group (p < 0.05). The mean ICAM and VCAM decreased significantly after treatment in CH patients (p < 0.05). There is no significant relationship between TSH, ICAM, VCAM and vWf (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate the possible involvement of the endothelial system in the pathogenesis of CH and its cardiovascular complications. Further studies with a larger sample size and with the measurement of other endothelial function markers are needed.